Sunday, October 24, 2010

COMIC: Top of the Stack - Darkwing Duck #5 (Review)

Written by Ian BrillPencils by James SilvaniCover by James Silvani

Publisher: BOOM! StudiosPrice: $3.99

There were some outstanding issues to come out this week including Tiny Titans #33, Justice League of America #50 and Bruce Wayne - The Road Home - Catwoman #1 but there was no denying the greatness that is Darkwing Duck #5 from returning to the top of the stack after two months away. Writer Ian Brill continues to deliver the spirit of the TV show to the comic pages while bringing in other characters from sister shows like Magica De Spell from DuckTales.

As advertised this issue wrapped up the first arc and dealt with the aftermath of St. Canard in the wake of Quackwerks Corporation being now in the hands of Scrooge McDuck and newly appointed CEO Launchpad McQuack. Last issue's last page reveal of Negaduck and Magica De Spell working together is further explored and their plan for St. Canard and Darkwing Duck is put into action. With Launchpad busy and Gosalyn in school, the 'B story' deals with Darkwing being reunited with his on-again, off-again girlfriend Morgana McCawber and his attempts to cure her from the listless state she was put in by the brainwashing from Taurus Bulba and Quackwerks.

The issue I read had the B cover which was drawn by the book's regular interior artist, James Silvana and features Negaduck. One thing I was excited to see was the variety of animal-like characters that were always common in the Scrooge McDuck universe that Darkwing Duck is a part of. And the caveman Darkwing stayed true to the style of the universe and reminded me of the cave ducks like Bubba.

It's hard to imagine this series not staying a consistent contender for best book of the week every time it is released with the great writing and perfect art to match. The only minor problem I have with the series is the fact that the Gizmoduck suit is now in the possession of Gosalyn and I'd much rather have Fenton Crackshell and Gizmoduck around than have the armor as something for Gosalyn to do. The rivalry between Darkwing and Gizmoduck was one of the best things about the show and I'd hate for that to be nonexistent in the comic.